Odys Aviation is working to bring an uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) called Laila to market over the next 24 months, targeting a variety of logistics roles. The newly disclosed project is being advanced at the same time that the California start-up is developing its nine-passenger hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, which features flap-based thrust vectoring to generate lift and a blown wing.
To boost capital reserves raised through its $12.4 million seed round, Odys is preparing for a Series A funding round. Some financial support for the planned 130-pound-payload UAV has come from eight U.S. Department of Defense contracts that will result in the delivery of 10 pre-series-production aircraft for test and evaluation in 2025. It has already flown a full-scale prototype of this model, for which it aims to start series production in 2026.
Laila is expected to have what the military defines as a Group 3 expeditionary footprint, meaning it can be shipped anywhere in the world and be ready to fly in less than 20 minutes. Its projected range is 450 miles, with a cruise speed of 125 mph and a service ceiling of 18,000 feet. In addition to the Pentagon, Odys has been in touch with prospective customers involved in logistics, e-commerce deliveries, and offshore and humanitarian support roles.
Laila will have a scaled-down hybrid propulsion system and use the distinctive flap-based thrust vectoring system, similar to the nine-passenger aircraft. “This is a great first product to derisk our technology, regulatory compliance pathways, and production processes,” Dorris explained.
To boost capital reserves raised through its $12.4 million seed round, Odys is preparing for a Series A funding round. Some financial support for the planned 130-pound-payload UAV has come from eight U.S. Department of Defense contracts that will result in the delivery of 10 pre-series-production aircraft for test and evaluation in 2025. It has already flown a full-scale prototype of this model, for which it aims to start series production in 2026.
Laila is expected to have what the military defines as a Group 3 expeditionary footprint, meaning it can be shipped anywhere in the world and be ready to fly in less than 20 minutes. Its projected range is 450 miles, with a cruise speed of 125 mph and a service ceiling of 18,000 feet. In addition to the Pentagon, Odys has been in touch with prospective customers involved in logistics, e-commerce deliveries, and offshore and humanitarian support roles.
Laila will have a scaled-down hybrid propulsion system and use the distinctive flap-based thrust vectoring system, similar to the nine-passenger aircraft. “This is a great first product to derisk our technology, regulatory compliance pathways, and production processes,” Dorris explained.
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